What’s happening in Montreal – Spring 2014

For a taste of the 2016 Summer Olympics for a good cause, then come to “Mini O”, an Olympic-themed fundraiser that will take place on May 25, from 1 – 4 p.m., at Lower Canada College, 4090 Royal Avenue in NDG.

The afternoon filled with sports, crafts and other fun activities for the entire family will benefit the Montreal Children’s Hospital “I Hear You” campaign, which purchases Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHAs) that are surgically implanted electronic devices that lets sound get conducted through the bone as a means of treatment against hearing loss. The gym area of the school will have several local sports organizations to teach kids about such sports like karate, gymnastics, rugby and double rope jumping. There will also be an arts & crafts area, a sports themed photo booth and a food truck serving snacks to all the participants.

Tickets to the Mini O are $10 in advance, $15 at the door and $50 for a VIP ticket (which includes a free gift certificate and two raffle tickets). To purchase tickets online, go to mini-O.com.

* * * For a chance to catch some quality live theatre on the big screen, check out the National Theatre Live’s presentation of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” on May 22, 7 p.m., at the following Montreal Cineplex theatres: Cineplex Odeon Brossard, Cineplex Odeon Cavendish Mall. Coliseum Kirkland, and Cineplex Odeon Forum.

Based on the best selling novel by Mark Haddon and winner of seven Olivier Awards (the British equivalent of the Tony Awards) in 2013 including Best New Play, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” focuses on a 15-year-old genius named Christopher, who is suspected of killing a neighbour’s pet dog. And in order to help solve the mystery of the dog’s death, Christopher decides to write a book about the case, which will eventually lead the boy into a frightening journey.

* * * Wrap up your Victoria Day weekend on May 19 with a wild live show by Everything Is Terrible! (EIT!) at the Broue Pub Brouhaha. This outrageous troupe brings video-remixing to a whole new level, as they will present two of their newly remixed video movies, “Comic Relief Zero!” and “EIT! Does the Hip-Hop!”, as well as a selection of some their rarely seen video shorts from the EIT! archives. It’s live comedy (and comedy videos) at its most anarchistic.

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Open House Admission is free; registration is required. Visitors may reserve time online at http://montreal.lufa.com/visit to tour the rooftop greenhouse, sample greenhouse-grown produce, and enjoy maple treats, including sugar-on-spring-snow. Hot drinks will be available in a Kittel Coffee pop-up café.

Lufa Farms grows and harvests more than 50 varieties of vegetables, herbs and microgreens — 12 months a year — without using pesticides, fungicides or other harmful chemicals. Subscribers use Lufa Farms’ website to choose fresh produce and other local specialties for their weekly baskets, which they pick up from one of 185 locations around the greater Montreal area.

The open house will take place at the company’s Ahuntsic greenhouse, located at 1400 Antonio-Barbeau St. just north of Crémazie Boulevard in Montreal. More information about Lufa Farms is available by phone: 514-669-3559; via email: info@lufa.com; or online: montreal.lufa.com

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Femmes du Monde à Côte-des-Neiges is a place where women from all over the world come together, regardless of their age, their civil status, their ethnic origin, their religion or their sexual orientation. All our services and activities are bilingual (French and English) and open only to women. A day-care is available with a reservation one week before the activity.

Sales & Fairs

Garage Sale (9:00am to 2:00pm) and a BBQ Luncheon and Strawberry Social (starting at 11:00am). Saturday, June 14th, 2014. Not only will you find treasures, furniture and books but you can enjoy a delicious luncheon featuring BBQ’d Hot Dogs and Hamburgers, Seafood Chowder made by a Nova Scotian, Home-made Chili, Strawberry Shortcake and refreshing Strawberry Soup!!! All happening at Dorval-Strathmore United Church, 310 Brookhaven, Dorval, QC, H9S 2N7. For more information call: 514-631-6171.

In Praise of Springtime – A Concert by The Montreal Welsh Male Choir at St. John’s United Church, Saturday, May 25th, 3 p.m. 98 Aurora, Pointe Claire. Tickets $20 available at the door or by calling 514-697-6459. A celebration in words and song commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Dylan Thomas. Proceeds to support the work of St. John’s United Church. Outdoor Plant Sale and Craft Supply Sale, Saturday, May 24th from 9-noon at Summerlea United Church, 225 – 50th Avenue, Lachine. Many perennials as well as some house plants will be available. There will also be a variety of craft supplies for sale. Come by early! For information, call the church at 514-634-2651.

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Boutique 24 reopens for the season! Gently used clothing in excellent condition. From T-shirts to tuxedos and sneakers to stilettos, we have it all! Prices between $2 to $8. Union Church, 24 Maple Ave, Ste Anne de Bellevue (opposite Macdonald High School). EVERY Thursday (11:30-15:30), LAST Friday of every month (18:30-21:00), LAST Saturday of every month (10:00-14:00)

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Over 20 juried artisans, upstairs in the Quinn bakery barn, will present a variety of handcrafted items for your holiday gift giving. Take a wagon ride to choose the family Christmas tree. Lunch available in the barn. This fundraising event will benefit TOMA Foundation for Burned Children.

Concerts & Shows

“ART BY THE WATER – Today and tomorrow. Annual art exhibit at the charming and historic BEACONSFIELD YACHT CLUB, 26 Lakeshore Road, Beaconsfield H9W 4H3 – 10:00am – 5:00pm. New guest artist. Free entry doorprize draw of a painting. Refreshments. Indoors in the beautiful old stone building and outdoors under the canopy and large tent. Large variety of art in all sizes and affordable price ranges. Rain or shine, whatever the weather, the artists will warmly welcome you to browse at your leisure and enjoy the art. In aid of adolescent colon cancer.

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The Kirkland municipal library presents an exhibit by Mr. Bernard Marsy and his students. From April 2 to April 13 at 17100, Hymus Boulevard, Kirkland. Vernissage : Sunday, April 6th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Info : 514 630-2726

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‘Kids 4 Kids 2014’ Sun Youth Benefit Concert – Mountainside United Church is happy to announce ‘Kids 4 Kids 2014’ to be held on Saturday, April 26th, at 7 p.m. The concert will benefit Sun Youth’s children’s programs. The choir of Mountainside United Church, the FACE School Chamber Orchestra, the Junior Chorale of the English Montreal School Board and le Petit Choeur de Rosemère will present a varied program of choral and orchestral music. Tickets are available through the church office and at the door on the evening of the concert: $15; $12 – students and seniors.

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Murder at Frownton Abbey Fundraiser (A Murder Mystery Comedy Show with a 4-course meal) is Dorval-Strathmore United Church’s 2014 annual Fundraiser. A British comedy/thriller written and directed by Steve Gillam. Tickets are going fast – only 4 performances April 5th, 12th, 26th and May 3rd at 6:30pm (Doors open at 6pm). Held at 310 Brookhaven (corner Carson) in Dorval. Tickets are $35 per person ($30 for seniors and students). Advanced tickets only. Reserved seating. Call Lorraine at 514-631-9879 or email dsuc_churchevents@hotmail.com to buy your tickets today.

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The Stewart Hall Singers, a 50-voice community choir, is holding auditions for its upcoming season, which will showcase Vivaldi’s Gloria. We practice on Monday evenings in Pointe-Claire Village, and all voices are welcome. Call 514-630-0331 for more information.

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The West Island Chorus of Sweet Adelines has moved its rehearsal hall to Christ Church Beaurepaire, 455 Church St Beaconsfield, QC. Women, we welcome new singers throughout the year. We meet Thursday nights 7:30-10:00pm. Come, visit a rehearsal and learn about our style of acapella music. Info: 514-488-1990 westislandchorus.com

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Voices For Hope, a large daytime community choir in its 6th season on the west island singing Broadway and Pops music is accepting singers. No audition. For information to join call Douglas Knight 514-630-0331

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This spring, Cantabile chorale and orchestra perform a concert of French music, including the magnificent Requiem by Fauré, under the direction of Maestro Peter Willsher. The concert will be held at Ste-Geneviève church, 16037 Gouin Blvd. west on May 3 at 7:30 pm. Seniors and students: $15.00 – General admission: $25.00 For information call: 514-963-5804

Balls & Events

The Lachine Hospital’s Fashionable Ball/An elegant benefit event with Frank Lyman and Patricia Paquin On Saturday, May 3 at 6 p.m. the Lachine Hospital Foundation will host its prestigious Fashionable Ball at the Marriott Montreal Airport (800 Place Leigh-Capreol, Dorval). This prestigious evening, hosted by TV personality Patricia Paquin, will feature an exhibition by Quebec designer Frank Lyman, a cocktail, a gourmet five-course meal, music by Le Chic Big Band, a silent auction and a raffle to win a trip worth $5,000. To reserve your table or for more information, please contact the Lachine Hospital Foundation by phone at 514 637-2351, ext. 77333 or by email at fondation.chl@muhc.mcgill.ca.

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La Course Pharmaprix pour les FEMMES in support of women’s mental health/Mélanie Joly and Margaret Trudeau to kick off the 5K and 10K walks/runs. The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation invites all Montrealers to the first edition of la Course Pharmaprix pour les FEMMES in support of women’s mental health – Sunday, May 4, 2014 at Parc Jean Drapeau. This fundraising run/walk features 5K and 10K events and a 1K Little Steps run for children 12 and under.

All funds raised will be donated to the MUHC Foundation in support of women’s mental health programs at the MUHC to help women suffering from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and reproductive cycle difficulties, among other illnesses.

ACCOMPANIED-TRANSPORT – The accompanied-transport service in the Greater Châteauguay area provided by volunteers at the Centre d’action bénévole du grand Châteauguay is primarily for seniors with a permanent or temporary loss of autonomy and who need support for their medical appointment, do some shopping or visit a sick spouse. You need the service, you want more information? Do not hesitate to contact Sylvie at 450-699-6289

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HOUSING CLINIC. If you want to ask questions to a lawyer in Housing law, Meet a lawyer at the Clinic for tenants: on Saturdays, for appointments: (514) 688-1775.

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Recovering Couples Anonymous (RCA) is a 12-Step program for couples desiring to remain committed to each other. For more information visit website: recoveringcouples.org or email rca.mtl@hotmail.com or call 1-877-663-2317 and/or 514-691-0641.

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LEGAL FAMILY CLINIC AND HOUSING. Consult a lawyer fro problems related with family law housing problems. For a free consultation: famillylaw65@gmail.com or (514) 688-1775

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ARE YOU A SENIOR WHO LIVES IN KIRKLAND? Meals on Wheels Is There for You! Are you a senior who would like hot meals served to you twice a week? Volunteer West Island has numerous programs and services for seniors, among them our signature program, Meals on Wheels. There are thirteen Meals on Wheels kitchens serving the boroughs and municipalities of the West Island, providing seniors with home delivery of hot meals twice a week. . The meals are prepared and delivered by friendly volunteers. The food is fresh, nutritious, and appetizing. Meal plans are rotated and varied. If you live in Kirkland, please call Madeleine directly at (514) 457-5445 ext. 225.

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FREE THERAPEUTIC CLASS – The West Island-based Self Help Against Depression (S.H.A.D. INC.) organization is offering free counseling and education classes for small groups. You may qualify to join this exciting program if you are at least 27 years old, smart, have regular access to computer Internet and email, but lonely and sad; can’t trust your friends with your problems; nervous or worried almost all the time; family or job has got you down; guilt, anger or obsessions have you stuck. In general, life has got you down and you feel lost and unconnected? Meetings take place in the West Island on Wednesday evenings, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Regular attendance and active participation are compulsory. If you are ready to TAKE BACK YOUR LIFE, contact Sheila for information and an application form at: superegogroup@videotron.ca

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Do you suffer from arthritis and chronic pain? AWISH (Arthritis West Island Self Help) offers exercise courses, support groups, pain management classes, and more. Contact us for more information. 514-631-3288

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NEW SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: The Centre d’action bénévole du grand Châteauguay is pleased to announce that a help with walking service is now available. Aging individuals who are experiencing a loss of autonomy and who cannot walk on their own due to health reasons or out of fear, are eligible to sign up for this free service. We accept those living in apartment buildings, houses, retirement homes and long-term care facilities and those who use canes, walkers, or wheelchairs. If you want to sign up, or become a volunteer (we need you!), please call Lisa at 450-699-6289

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Registration ongoing for daytime exercise and pain management classes for those suffering from ARTHRITIS and chronic pain. Contact Arthritis West Island (AWISH) for more information. 514-631-3288

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NEW SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: The Centre d’action bénévole du grand Châteauguay is pleased to announce that a help with walking service is now available. Aging individuals who are experiencing a loss of autonomy and who cannot walk on their own due to health reasons, or out of fear, are eligible to sign-up for this free service. We accept those living in apartment buildings, houses, retirement homes and long-term care facilities and those who use canes, walkers, or wheelchairs. If you want to sign-up, or become a volunteer (we need you!), please call Lisa at 450-699-6289

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FRIENDLY VISITS: If you are 65 years of age and older, live alone, and would like to have some company on a regular basis, the Centre d’action bénévole du Grand Châteauguay has just the right service for you! One of our volunteers could visit you for ~3 hours a week, to talk, play cards or do any other activities that may interest you. To sign-up for this free service, or to become a volunteer (we need you!), please call Johanne at 450-699-6289.

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Re-Nou-Vie is a non profit organization for single mothers in the process of separation or divorce. We offer support and programs for woman and their children. Should you require more information, please do not hesitate to contact me at (450)692-9805.

Groups

Family Resource Center: Provides a variety of services to improve the lives of our French and English speaking youth, ages 5-25, with learning disabilities and or mental health issues through social and study skills programs. Our Center offers individual work as well as mentoring, and our Girls 2 Ladies Project empowers girls 9-17 years of age. Support families by providing family counseling, referral services and parent support groups. Support professionals through programs that provide useful information, techniques, and strategies to support recreation, education and community services. For more information call 514-685-5912 or visitfamilyresourcecenter.qc.ca

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Mommy & Me Playgroup – A free morning of activities and discussions await all mothers who are home with their toddlers and are looking for something fun to do! If you have children under 5 and live in the Chateauguay area this playgroup is for you! The group will be getting together soon so call Frankie at Re-Nou-Vie for more information (450) 692-9805.

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Is food a problem for you? Overeaters Anonymous may have the answer. We are a 12-step recovery group for compulsive overeaters, anorexics and bulimics. No weigh-ins, dues or fees. Info: (514) 488-1812

Compassionate Friends is an international self-help, non-profit organization offering friendship, understanding, grief education and hope for the future to all bereaved parents. The Montreal Chapter meets the first Tuesday of the month. Please call Jane at (450) 458-3164

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Dorval Garden Club annual plant sale on Saturday, May 17th at Dorval Arena, 1450 Dawson Ave., Dorval. A wonderful selection of healthy, potted plants gathered from members’ gardens are for sale at FANTASTIC PRICES. Plants are conveniently sorted according to type (sun, shade, ground cover, etc.). Friendly, knowledgeable members will be on hand for any gardening information you may need. Doors open at 9:am and sales are brisk! dorvalhort.com

The session runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Jeanne Timmons Amphitheatre at the Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute (3801 University Street, Webster Pavilion, Room A1). Presentations are in English, and will be followed by a bilingual Q&A period.

Admission is free and parking vouchers to the Royal Victoria Hospital are handed out at the end of the lecture. For more information call 514 843-1666

Exercise classes, pain management course and support group continuing this fall for those suffering from ARTHRITIS and chronic pain. Contact Arthritis West Island for more information. 514-631-3288

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Family Resource Center: Is taking registration for our Social and Study Skills Group Program for youth in Grades K-6 (preparing your child for academic and social success) and our Girls2Ladies Group (helping your girls navigate growing up in today’s society) for girls aged 9-17. For more information call 514-685-5912 or visit:familyresourcecenter.qc.ca

Clubs

Life with arthritis – taking charge of my pain. A six-week course touching on all key points such as: medication, exercise and nutrition, surgery, etc. In English as of April 1st at 750 Dawson Avenue in Dorval – 1 to 3 pm. Limited space. Offered by Arthritis West Island Self Help. Info: 514-631-3288.

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DivorceCare is a special weekly seminar and support group for people who are separated and divorced. It’s a place to be around people who understand what you are feeling. Meetings are held at St. George’s Church, 23 Perrault in Ste. Anne’s, on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. Pre-registration required, 514-457-6934stgeorgesanglicanchurch.org

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Dorval City Toastmasters meets every Thursday at 7:30pm at Sarto Desnoyers Community Centre, 1335 ch. Bord du Lac (Lakeshore Rd) Dorval, QC. In Toastmasters you will hone your speaking skills, and you will develop leadership abilities. By learning to effectively formulate, organize and express your ideas to others, you can achieve all kinds of success. For more information contact, Bill Butcher: 514-696-5973

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Bon Appetit Friday Night Dinner Club Meets every friday night at 7PM at different restaurants around the city. Everyone welcome 514-264-8951 b.bulka@videotron.ca

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Do you suffer from arthritis and chronic pain? AWISH (Arthritis West Island Self Help) offers exercise courses, support groups, pain management classes, and more. Contact us for more information. 514-631-3288. The Lakeshore Stamp Club: Holds its annual stamp exhibition at Dorval’s Sarto Desnoyers Community Center, 1335 Lakeshore Drive Dorval on April 4, 5 and 6. 10am to 6pm (4pm on Sunday).

This is the clubs 51st consecutive year for holding the exhibition. There will be more than 100 frames of exhibits and 25 stamp dealers in attendance. Admission is free with ample free parking. Come and see Philately at its best and make it a family affair.

Is food a problem for you? Overeaters – Anonymous may have the answer. We are a 12-step recovery group for compulsive overeaters, anorexics and bulimics. No weigh-ins, dues or fees. Info: (514) 488-1812

Church

Octet Plus Benefit Concert – May 14, 7:30pm – Octet Plus, a semi-professional choir directed by Connie Osborne, is giving a benefit concert for the St. Vincent de Paul Society in aid of funding for the Food Bank. The performance will take place at Summerlea United Church, 225 – 50th Avenue, Lachine on Wednesday, May 14th at 7:30pm. A suggested donation of $12 per person would be appreciated. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, please call 514-634-2651.

Things to do

Conference on the wreck of the Empress of Ireland Address: Kirkland Library, 17100 Hymus Boulevard Date: Sunday, May 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. Brief Description: The sinking of the Empress of Ireland, one of the worst ship disasters in Canadian history, took place in 1914 in Rimouski, only two years after the sinking of the Titanic. Through the use of slides and reconstitution of events which took the lives of 1012 people, Mr. Parent, who has been awarded various international prizes for his documentary film, will present all the historic facts about this disaster.

The Krishnamurti Information Centre of Montreal is presenting a video in English with French subtitles, in which J.Krishnamurti answers more questions on FEAR, VIOLENCE and SECURITY, at the Atwater Library, 2nd fl, 1200 Atwater Ave., 2-4 pm, Saturday, June 14th. Admission $5. Info – 514.937.8869, or visit krishnamurtimontreal.org

PAIR PROGRAM – A reassuring presence for people who live alone, the PAIR Program is a program for prevention and safety at home. We call you each morning from Monday to Friday to make sure you’re safe. You remain free to go about your activities, just notify us in case of absence. This program is offered absolutely free by the Centre d’action bénévole du grand Châteauguay. To register, call Lisa at 450-699-6289

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Drawing workshop, painting with mixed media, aerobics and yoga, choir, jewellery- making, stone sculpture, folk and line dancing, and mahjong. Given by experienced teachers.Hot lunches every Wednesday. All reasonably priced. For times and dates, please contact the office.

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E.N.C.O.R.E ( a non profit organization for seniors) is offering a dynamic selection of non credit courses. Their fall program includes courses in Montreal theatre , history, travel , art and music appreciation, computer gadgets and gizmos, drawing, painting, film documentaries, 20th century cinema, bridge, yoga and tai-chi. For complete information and registration contact out website: encoreseniors.com or call (514) 484-4028

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Exercise for arthritis Spring session. Space still available for Wednesday afternoon classes in Dorval. Call Arthritis West Island at 514-631-3288 to register.

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At theRoyal Canadian Legion 85/90 3015 Henri Dunant Lachine you can entertain your events in our charming reception hall, complete with Air Condition. a wood burning fire place in a separate lounge for smaller groups (60) the capacity of the main hall (110). Includes the convenience of a fully equipped and functional kitchen all at an excellent price, fully licenced bar. Readily accessible for persons with reduced mobility. for more information please contact Thomas Young at (514) 718 – 4735

The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 245, 575 Jean-Marie Landry Ave., Dorval will hold a “Mother’s Day Lunch” on Sunday, May 11, 2014 at 12:00 p.m.(Noon) Tickets $7.00 R.S.V.P. by Wed., May 7, 2014. Tel: 514-631-5786 or 514-626-7910.

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If you have an event that you want publicized in the Grapevine, please send the information to my attention at bookbanter@hotmail.com